Nairobi– Kenya’s government is betting big on better roads.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Wednesday proposed a Sh217.3 billion allocation for road development in the 2025/26 financial year, calling it a “crucial step” towards easing movement, cutting logistics costs, and unlocking economic opportunity.
“We are investing in infrastructure that connects people to markets and services,” Mbadi told Parliament during his budget address. “Better transport means faster growth.”
The plan marks a sharp rise from the previous year’s Sh193.4 billion budget for roads. It also signals the administration’s ongoing focus on public works as a driver of post-pandemic recovery and regional trade.
Road Network Gets the Lion’s Share
Of the proposed roads budget:
- Sh115.6 billion will go to maintenance
- Sh70.8 billion to rehabilitation
- Sh30.9 billion to new roads and bridge construction
That’s a shift from last year, when more was spent on new construction (Sh86.2 billion) than on upkeep.
Analysts say the move could reflect a maturing road network in need of long-term care, not just expansion.
“Kenya built aggressively over the last decade,” said Martha Kimani, a transport economist based in Nairobi. “Now the focus appears to be on preserving and improving what already exists.”
Rail, Ports and Ferries Also in Focus
It’s not just roads getting attention. Mbadi outlined a Sh37.1 billion investment for rail and related infrastructure. This includes upgrades to existing lines and improved freight handling.
In the coastal city of Mombasa, Sh600 million has been set aside for ferry ramps and new vessels. Lake Victoria will also see improvements to ferry access, which locals have long called for.
Mbadi said these changes are aimed at “improving connectivity across regions and reducing the cost of doing business.”
An additional Sh300 million will support Nairobi’s delayed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which has struggled with rollout delays since its launch.
Green Light for Green Transport
Kenya’s air travel sector is also getting a boost, with Sh300 million proposed for airstrip expansion and another Sh300 million earmarked for e-mobility.
The funding is part of the government’s broader push to cut carbon emissions in the transport sector.
Mbadi linked this to a wider effort to support clean energy: “Our future lies in sustainable infrastructure that serves both the economy and the environment.”
Powering the Push: Energy Sector Spending
To support the growing infrastructure network, Mbadi said the government will spend Sh62.8 billion to strengthen the country’s energy systems, with a focus on renewables.
That includes:
- Sh31.6 billion for national grid upgrades
- Sh16.3 billion for rural electrification
- Sh11.5 billion for geothermal energy
- Sh2.1 billion for alternative energy sources
- Sh700 million for nuclear development
Over 774,000 new electricity connections were made in the past year, according to the Treasury, driven by grid expansion and clean energy investment.
A Budget Built on Mobility
This year’s budget sends a clear message: improving how Kenyans move whether on foot, by road, rail, air, or ferry is central to the country’s development goals.
Still, questions remain about whether the spending will translate to results. Projects like the BRT and some road works have previously stalled due to land disputes, contractor delays, and bureaucratic red tape.
Mbadi acknowledged the challenges but stressed the government’s commitment to delivery.
“This is not just about concrete and tarmac,” he said. “It’s about creating opportunity. It’s about connecting lives.”
